Quantitative Estimation of Hair Growth: Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and the Effect of Minoxidil

A 27-year-old male has been using 1mg finasteride and 2.5mg oral minoxidil daily for androgenetic alopecia, seeing good results in 3 months but experiencing thinning and density loss. He seeks advice on his Norwood scale level and when density might return.

Minoxidil may inhibit androgen receptors and affect hormonal pathways, potentially explaining its effectiveness in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Users discuss its varying effectiveness on scalp versus facial hair and note fewer side effects with topical use compared to oral.

Minoxidil was applied to a single miniaturized hair follicle over four months, resulting in less miniaturization but not yet terminal growth. The user used a 5% minoxidil solution, specifically the Regaine brand, and observed changes using a handheld WiFi microscope.

The user is using oral finasteride, oral minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, and various supplements to stabilize hair loss and thicken hair. They are considering using minoxidil foam on their beard to address empty patches but are concerned about side effects.

A 44-year-old man experienced significant hair regrowth after switching from topical to 1.25mg oral minoxidil and 0.5mg daily finasteride, with no side effects. He noticed hair thickening after two months and credits the oral form's effectiveness.

A 33-year-old man using topical finasteride 0.25%, minoxidil 5%, and Nizoral for hair regrowth reports noticeable progress after 50 days, with plans to add microneedling. He experienced initial side effects with finasteride, which later subsided, and hopes to restore his crown for a potential hair transplant.